Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Janet Napolitano: Homeland Security Threat Level Highest Ever

WASHINGTON D.C. (PIX 11) —

Since 2009 more than two dozen Americans have been arrested on terrorism-related charges. Official warn it's part of the changing face of terror which tonight has triggered an ominous warning.Speaking at a hearing on Capitol Hill today, the US Homeland Security Secretary warned that plots to attack America increasingly involve American residents and citizens. Secretary Janet Napolitano told Congressmen that "there is no question that we have made many important strides in securing our country from terrorism since9/11. But the threat continues to evolve and in some ways the threat today might be at its most heightened state since the attacks nearly 10 years ago."These fresh warnings come at a time when Congress is once again talking about cutting funding for homeland security right here inNew York. At a news conference todayNew York CityMayor Michael Bloombergtold reporters, "We need as much help from the federal government as we can get...New York is obviously a very visible potential target...and providing security costs us an awful lot of money."Secretary Napolitano warned Al-Qaeda affiliates are increasingly trying to recruit Westerners or people with ties to the U.S. She warned that individuals prepared to carry out terrorist attacks and acts of violence might be in the United States right now, and could turn deadly with no warning.At the same Congressional hearing, Michael Leiter, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center said "despite the improvements, perfection in this endeavor is not possible. We are working every day, 24 hours a day tirelessly, to try to stop the attack, the next attack. But we cannot guarantee 100 percent safety."